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From Granddad's Ford Garage to Grandson’s Ride: A Century of Model T Magic

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  Back in 1914, my granddad didn't just sell cars; he sold the future. Along with two partners, he opened Southern Highway Garage to sell and service the legend that was the Ford Model T. Fast forward to 1924, and there he is snapping a photo, showing a model T, a visiting Ford factory rep and his business partners, looking like proud owners. Fast forward another 101 years to today, and the plot twist is wild. Here I am, your friendly retired grandson turned antique auto enthusiast, sitting in the back of that same 1924-era machine. But there's a new co-pilot: Niki, my little white therapy dog, who looks way more comfortable in the leather seat than I do. We were at a "Learn to Drive a Model T" event hosted by our Fort Lauderdale Antique Auto Club chapter. Spoiler alert: It's nothing like checking your car’s oil or driving a Tesla. It's all about clutch control, hand-cranking, and praying you don't stall out in front of the assisted living home where Niki ...

When did Stephen Foster visit Florida?

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  He never did. Here’s my experience visiting Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. This part of North Florida attracts me because this area retains much of its historical character, with nearby attractions like White Sulfur Springs, Florida’s very early tourist attraction. This Florida state park deviates from the typical nature-themed parks. You might be surprised to see magnificent brick buildings and the largest carillon of tubular bells in the world.  After setting up my campsite Niki and I did some exploring. The park museum was closed so next time we will arrive earlier. In the campground we found a peaceful and private atmosphere, likely due to our weekday summer visit when only two other campers were present.  That evening Niki and I sat under our awning to celebrate the life and music of this famous composer, I played some Stephen foster tunes on my harmonica. In the background you may hear the rushing sounds of the Suwannee River. * * * Click Here * * ...

The Niki Effect

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  You may be curious as to why a retired man, standing six feet eight inches tall and weighing two hundred thirty pounds, would choose a small eleven-pound Maltese/Shih Tzu to be a therapy dog. It all started on February 28, 2019, when my wife and I decided it was time to welcome a new member into our family: possibly a French bulldog. We considered adopting a rescue dog but ultimately opted to buy a puppy from a trusted breeder. When we arrived, a tiny pup caught our eye. She was lying on her back, tail thumping, looking up at us with pure playfulness and trust. At that moment, all thoughts of a French bulldog vanished, and just like that, she was in the car on the way to her new home. We named her Niki, and for the next few years, we had wonderful adventures taking her on trips in our RV. Sadly, my wife passed away, leaving just Niki and me. I remember how much my wife valued Niki's visits in hospice. Reflecting on this, I realized that Niki and I could spread joy to others throu...

Surprise On The River Road - Missouri's Other Arch On The Arkansas Border

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  Although this article is not about a current trip, I have always been fascinated by this attraction that I saw years ago and it might be of interest to you. Rounding the curve, a strange object loomed up ahead on a trip up the Mississippi River road on old highway 61 to Missouri from Louisiana. Get off the Interstate and see things that you might not see otherwise! Here's what the Internet says about what we experienced: Exploring the Historic United States Highway 61 Arch ​ Nestled just inches from the Arkansas-Missouri state line in Mississippi County, Arkansas, stands a unique and historic structure: the United States Highway 61 Arch. ​ This concrete arch, erected in 1924, is the only known arch that spans a United States Highway in Arkansas, making it a significant landmark in the state's transportation history. ​ A Brief History The arch was constructed to mark the boundaries of the Mississippi County Road Improvement District upon the completion of the first hard-su...

A Nostalgic Stop on US Route 50: Garfield Armstrong's Skelly Service Station

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  Unearthing a piece of family history, a picture from around 1953 captures a bygone era on Highway 50 just north of Smithton, Missouri. The image showcases Garfield Armstrong's Skelly service station, a beacon for travelers on the corner where the narrow 2 lane paved highway met the gravel road leading into town. The Skelly brand, recognizable by its red and white logo, dotted American roadways in the mid-20th century. Garfield's station served as a vital stop for motorists, offering not just fuel but also a friendly face and a chance to stretch their legs and buy a soda pop during a long journey. The picture adds a personal touch with the inclusion of a 1950 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe "woody" station wagon. This classic car, belonging to Garfield's brother-in-law, and my grandfather, A.F. Neumeyer, stands proudly beside the pumps. The woody, had steel body panels that were painted to look like wood grain. This was a more affordable and durable alternative t...

Fall 2024 Road Trip: Buckle Up!

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  Well, it's time for another road trip adventure! My trusty car, now a seasoned 9-year-old with over 100,000 miles on the clock, needs a little TLC before we hit the open road. A new A/C compressor and some fresh belts and hoses are on the to-do list, but it's a necessary investment for a worry-free journey. Reunion and Relatives We'll kick off our trip by revisiting familiar territory. First stop: Kansas City for another high school reunion. We’re having them every year now. It's always fun to reconnect with old friends and make new memories. After the reunion, we'll head to Missouri to catch up with some relatives. Colorado and Arizona Bound Once we've fulfilled our family obligations, it's time to embark on the real adventure. Colorado and Arizona are calling our names! We're excited to explore the stunning landscapes and experience the unique culture of these states. First Stop: Ross Prairie State Forest Before we head west, we'll make a ...

A Wyoming Family Reunion, Three Generations Strong

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  Introduction There's nothing quite like a family reunion, a celebration of shared heritage, love, and connection. It's the perfect recipe for creating lasting memories. Our recent gathering in Cody, Wyoming, was no exception. It  was a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and quality time, with three generations under one roof.  The Heart of the Reunion Joyce's storybook backyard retreat was the epicenter of our reunion. A quaint log cabin playhouse stands nestled amidst colorful flower beds, beautiful shade trees, and comfortable seating areas. A vibrant backyard, teeming with life and joy. No wonder this had been a stop on the annual Cody garden tour.  It was the ideal setting for relaxation and fun. Even the resident owl gave us a surprise visit. Corn hole tournaments and ladder golf ignited friendly competition, while card games offered a quieter escape. The evenings were filled with laughter as we shared stories, reminisced about past reunions, and simply...